Herring Wall by Jack Whitewell

Balfour Art Installation

NHS Orkney, in partnership with Orkney Islands Council’s Art Development Service, invited artists to submit proposals to help create a distinctive identity for the new Hospital and Healthcare Facilities Hub area, now widely known as The Balfour while it was being built. This was supported by the charity Art in Healthcare. 

This was an important and high-profile public art opportunity in a much-anticipated new hospital. The aim of this project was to create a lovely public space with the artwork reflecting the community.   

Jack Whitwell, a local artist, has been commissioned to create three unique pieces of artwork – a Copper Herring Wall, and two external pieces of art - a glass structure reflecting a Kelp Forest and a stone structure reminiscent of Orkney’s many standing stones. The inspiration for Jack’s artwork is based on the transition of cultures, traditions and industries that have shaped Orkney.

The artwork installation had to be postponed due the pandemic and NHS Orkney are pleased to announce that the first installation is complete. The Copper Herring Wall was installed over the past weekend and takes pride of place over the stairwell leading up to the Ward areas. This is truly an awe-inspiring sight. The herring were hand-designed by various local primary school children and the staff of NHS Orkney, representing the community spirit of the county.

Meghan McEwan, Board Chair share “the installation of this absolutely delightful piece of artwork is a powerful reminder of how important our community is to everything NHS Orkney does, from the art on our walls, to the services we provide it is so important that we reflect and value those we care for.

Jack has done an incredible job of creating something with school children that is also elegant, and Orcadian besides. He, the children and staff should be so proud of their work and I would also like to extend my profound thanks to the NHS Orkney team who have worked to get this work installed and bring smiles to people’s faces in the building.

The new hospital and healthcare facility is something that took incredible effort to build and manage, and this is another example of how it will be a place where everyone in Orkney can feel welcome”.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer, Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, said: “We’re delighted to now see the first of these three sculptures being installed, and proud to have been part of early efforts through our Arts Development team to help devise a wonderful public arts project for the new hospital. And what a glittering start it is! We hope the Orkney public enjoy the fruits of this partnership working and that the artworks bring both joy, comfort and a sense of community through the Orkney imagery so cleverly employed by Jack.”

NHS Orkney would like to thank everyone involved in the planning, delivery and installation of this community artwork with special thanks to the artist, Jack Whitwell.